First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma
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HISTORY


Picture
Rev. Frank Raney and his family in front of the 4th Street church

Timeline

1880s 
1883 -- 52 people signed a petition for a church. 
Presbytery assigned a group of pastors to lead a group for formation.
July 22, new congregation assembled in Derby's Hall at Main Street and Washington.
1885 -- Original church built at Fourth/Kentucky Street

1900s
1909 -- Ladies of Philethea, an organization of women, served as ushers

1910s
World War I -- Joined with local Christian and Congregational churches for united worship services twice a week

1920s
Outreach and assistance to families through Ladies Aid Society
Meeting place for Women's Christian Temperance Union

1940s
World War II -- Church became a community prayer center, with vigils for victory and peace. 
A portion of tithes were sent to assist in the war effort.
1941 -- First woman Elder elected

1960s
1963 -- Old church destroyed, stained glass windows put in storage.
Congregation moved to new building on B Street 

1970s
FPCP members among those who formed FISH, a short-term emergency organization that was the forerunner of COTS and the Petaluma Kitchen
1976 - Happy Day Preschool established
1978  Pastor Hugh Goss and members helped form Petaluma Ecumenical Projects (PEP) to create housing for seniors and people w/disabilities

1980s
1981 -- Hope Counseling established

2000s
2005 -- Project undertaken to restore stained glass windows
2008 -- 125th anniversary celebrated July 5-6

Clergy

1887-1905 -- William H. Darden
1906-1907 -- Luther Davis
1907-1910 -- Edwin B. Hayes
1910-1910 -- J. P. Hearst
1911-1912 -- Felix Thomas
1912-1913 -- D.H. McCullough
1914-1915 -- Henry C. Cockrum
1915-1918 -- James S. Watson
1918-1919 -- George A. Blair
1919-1928 -- F.S. Shimian
1928-1957 -- Frank L. Raney
1957-1971 -- Frederick E. Rusk

1972-1972 -- William A. Saladin*
1972-1980 -- Hubert S. Goss, Jr.
1980-1981 -- Harry Washburn*
1981-1995 -- Gary Albert Gard
1995-1996 -- Jane Steadman*
1996-1997 -- Rod Fridlund*
1997-2001 -- Carlyle Spohr
2001-2004 -- Carol Shellenberger*
2004-2011 -- David Weidlich
2011-2013 -- Pam Novelly*
2013 -- present -- John Chase

* Interim pastor

Stained glass

In the mid-1980s, stained glass windows from the original Fourth Street church were rediscovered in storage -- in a chicken coop. Member Ken Nugent led a restoration project and wrote a history of the windows.

Recovered and restored glass:
  • 5 memorial windows
  • 3 opening windows
  • Transom sign
  • Lyre window
Picture
Picture
Most of the windows are now are mounted and backlit for display in our sanctuary. The transom window is located in the Fireside Room.
Below: 125 anniversary celebration 
Picture


939 B Street, Petaluma, CA 94952   |   707-762-8269   
Sunday worship 9:45 a.m.